Maryville out of the St. Louis area has been gaining momentum with some key local commits.  They are bringing in some impact players from Rockwood Thunder, but also bringing in some talent from neighboring Illini Elite .  Taylor Langland Taylor Langland 5'7" | S/DS/L El Paso (E.P.-Gridley) | 2026 State IL , like all of the Illini Elite setters is extremely well trained starting with her footwork.  She is able to beat the ball to the spot and is ready to push the tempo.  She receives the ball high and can shoot it to the pin or get her middles and right sides involved in something quick.  Another Illini Elite athlete heading to Maryville is Cassidy Monahan Cassidy Monahan 6'2" | MB St. Thomas More | 2026 State IL who will bring some athleticism and physicality to the middle blocker position and can use her connection with Langland for a major advantage. 

I always look forward to seeing the Illini Elite teams take the court because they are always well trained and very disciplined. Taylor Langland Taylor Langland 5'7" | S/DS/L El Paso (E.P.-Gridley) | 2026 State IL will be playing for Illini Elite 17 Black where she is coming up a huge high school season where she was an all conference player and was named to the IHSA State Tournament All Tournament Team.  Everything for Langland starts with her feet.  She is quick to the ball where she get her hands up to give her attackers a chance to swing.  She is also a gritty defender with a strong court savvy that is really exciting to see in how she creates something out of nothing. 

What an athlete.  Seeing Langland glide on the court is something different where she makes some really difficult things look easy.  As a setter, she gets her feet to the ball and you don’t see her bump setting very often.  She has the ability to get get her hands to the ball and is always looking to push the tempo.  She’s 5’7, but she plays much bigger with her athleticism and physicality at the net.  There is an edge where she knows how to get it done for her side of the net.